This article describes the characteristics of Raynaud's phenomenon, focusing on the role of the specialist nurse in diagnosis and management of the condition. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options are discussed, along with the importance of self-management. Advice is provided to help nurses enable patients to minimise episodes and improve symptoms. In the majority of cases, Raynaud's phenomenon is a treatable condition, and patients can learn to self-manage the disease.

Turton A.J.,University of the West of England | Palmer M.,University of the West of England | Grieve S.,Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Foundation Trust | Moss T.P.,University of the West of England | And 3 more authors.Frontiers in Human Neuroscience | Year: 2013

This article discusses the role of the nurse specialist in the management of patients with systemic sclerosis, focusing on helping patients to deal with the physical, psychological and social effects associated with digital ulcers.

This paper considers the experiences of people with lupus in comparison with those with diabetes, and discusses the impact of lupus specialist nurses in information-giving and education under the guise of 'just in case' vs. 'just in time'. Now recognized as a difficult condition to diagnose, lupus can lead to significant worry and distress especially during delays to diagnosis and times of high disease activity. Providing appropriate, individualized information to people with lupus is embedded in specialist nursing practice and enables individuals to use the tools of self-management approaches in gaining control over everyday symptoms.

Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a disabling condition known to have a negative impact on all aspects of a childs life. However, little is understood about the impact of CFS/ME on siblings. A total of 34 siblings completed questionnaires measuring depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), anxiety (HADS and Spence Childrens Anxiety Scale (SCAS)) and European Quality-of-life-Youth (EQ-5D-Y). These scores were compared with scores from normative samples. Siblings had higher levels of anxiety on the SCAS than adolescents of the same age recruited from a normative sample; however, depression and quality-of-life were similar. Interviews were undertaken with nine siblings of children with CFS/ME who returned questionnaires. Interview data were analysed using a framework approach to thematic analysis. Siblings identified restrictions on family life, not knowing and lack of communication as negative impacts on their family, and change of role/focus, emotional reactions and social stigma as negative impacts on themselves. They also described positive communication, social support and extra activities as protective factors. Paediatric services should be aware of the impact of CFS/ME on the siblings of children with CFS/ME, understand the importance of assessing paediatric CFS/ME patients within the context of their family and consider providing information for siblings about CFS/ME.